My research seeks to promote health and well-being in individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across the life course. My research focuses on developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. I am interested in understanding how biological, cognitive, and behavioral factors interact with the environmental context, including the family, support services, and broader community, to contribute to health and well-being in children and adults with developmental disabilities and their parents. My research employs multifaceted methodologies (e.g., daily diaries, medical and public record reviews, observational coding systems, physiological measures, biological markers), using a range of analytic approaches (e.g., multilevel longitudinal modeling and survival analyses).

“Sigan Hartley and her students study the resources and contexts underlying positive well-being in individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. Our research investigates many aspects of individual well-being and family relationships, such as marital quality, parent-child interactions, healthy aging, mental health conditions, and stress and coping. Below, we highlight two current research projects that our lab is involved in.

Family Dynamics and Autism

Currently, we are conducting a 5 year study on Family Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) funded by the National Institute of Health (NIMH R01MH099190; PI: Hartley). The goal of this study is to examine how the lives of parents and children with ASD are connected and influence functioning and well-being. Findings from the study can be used to identify avenues for supporting families and improving current interventions and services. Currently, 300 families from across Wisconsin are participating in this study. More information: http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/hartleylab/index.htm

Alzheimer’s Disease and Down syndromeAdults with Down syndrome evidence accelerated aging, including an earlier onset and increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. The early onset and increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome is attributed to the overproduction of amyloid-β due to the triplication of chromosome 21, which contains the gene for the amyloid precursor protein.Interestingly, some adults, including those with Down syndrome, accumulate amyloid-β plaques and tangles for years without showing clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, yet others progress quickly to dementia.We are collaborating with researchers at UW-Madison in a multi-site study to understand the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology and better understand this variability. This study is funded by the National Institute of Health (U01AG051406 to W. Klunk, B. Handen, & B. Christian). More information:http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/amyloid/

More information about the Hartley Lab: http://hartleylab.wordpress.com/